David Beckham makes promise to Messi after presenting him with Ballon d'Or
David Beckham has promised Lionel Messi a party in Miami to celebrate the Argentine's historic eighth Ballon d'Or.
The 36-year-old made yet more history on Monday night, becoming the first man to win the prestigious award eight times, beating Manchester City goal machine Erling Haaland and Paris Saint-Germain's Kylian Mbappe to the prize.
Messi was rewarded for his heroics in Argentina's World Cup triumph in 2022, mustering seven goals and three assists, as well as winning the French title with PSG a few months later.
Messi has since moved to Major League Soccer to join Inter Miami, the club owned by former Manchester United and Real Madrid superstar Beckham. And it was "Golden Balls" who presented Messi with the golden ball in the French capital at a ceremony on Monday night.
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The Barcelona icon has had a transformative impact in South Florida, leading Miami to the Leagues Cup title with 10 goals in his first seven games before injury issues hampered a late charge for the playoffs.
"It's very special to say he's a Miami player and he's in our city," a prideful Beckham said in Paris. "He'll celebrate this with his teammates and his family in his way.
"We'll do our best to celebrate it in the Miami way. I'm sure we can do a good party."
Lionel Messi cemented his legacy in 2022/23 with Argentina's World Cup triumph. (Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images)Beckham added on Instagram : "Huge honour to present Leo with his eighth Ballon d’Or tonight in Paris. Such a special night for Leo and his family and it was a privilege to be there to celebrate such an incredible achievement, Miami are truly honoured to have the best. Congratulations my friend."
Barcelona and Spain midfielder Aitana Bonmati won the women's award after playing a pivotal role in Champions League and World Cup glory for club and country.
"It's nice to be here once more to enjoy this moment," Messi said on stage. "To be able to win the World Cup and achieve my dream. I couldn't imagine having the career I've had and everything I've achieved, the fortune I've had to be part of the best team in history.
"All of them [the eight Ballon d'Or awards] are special for different reasons."
Beckham also used the opportunity to pay tribute to Sir Bobby Charlton after the Manchester United and England icon died earlier this month aged 86.
David Beckham spoke with pride after announcing Lionel Messi as the Ballon d'Or winner. (FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images)"I probably don't have to tell this room how special Sir Bobby was to the world of football," Beckham said. "He was respected on the field for what he won but was respected even more off the field for what he stood for.
"He will be missed. When we looked up into the stands he would always be there cheering us on.
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"He started it off for me. If it was not for Sir Bobby turning around to Manchester United and saying 'Watch this young man' I probably would not have played for Manchester United. I owe him everything."
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